Polypterus Senegalus Albino | Albino Senegal Bichir
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🐟 Albino Bichir (Dinosaur Eel) Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polypterus senegalus |
| Common Name | Albino Bichir, Dinosaur Eel |
| Origin | West Africa (Senegal, Nile, Gambia rivers) |
| Adult Size | 25–45 cm (10–18 in), occasionally up to 60 cm |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, predatory |
| Tank Level | Bottom |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 200+ liters (50+ gallons) for one adult; larger for multiple |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, caves, rocks, hiding spots |
| Lighting | Dim to moderate |
| Filtration | Strong filtration; low to moderate current |
Tips:
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Provide plenty of hiding spots — they are nocturnal and shy during the day.
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Albino Bichirs are jumpers, so use a tight-fitting lid.
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Maintain stable water parameters and regular water changes.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Carnivorous
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Best Foods: Live/frozen foods (bloodworms, shrimp, small fish), sinking pellets, occasional earthworms.
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Feeding Frequency: Every 1–2 days; avoid overfeeding.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Semi-aggressive; may eat smaller fish.
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Best kept with larger, peaceful fish that cannot fit in its mouth.
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Generally bottom-dwelling and nocturnal, occupying caves and shaded areas.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Large peaceful fish (Silver Dollars, large gouramis)
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Other adult bichirs of similar size
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Large catfish or armored loaches
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Small fish or invertebrates (likely prey)
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Aggressive species that harass the bichir
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Overstocked tanks
🐣 Breeding Info
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Spawning Method: Rare in captivity; requires large tanks with clean water.
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Parental Care: None; adults may eat eggs.
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Fry Care: Fry feed on small live foods like baby brine shrimp.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Called “Dinosaur Eel” due to its prehistoric appearance and elongated body.
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Can breathe air using a modified swim bladder — useful in low-oxygen water.
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Nocturnal predator that prefers slow-moving, heavily decorated aquariums.
